In order to verify that SL works on the machine, I have tried the 6.6 live CD (and DVD) image on a USB stick. The Scientific Linux 6 "circle" rotates a minute or so before the machine hangs with kernel panic (both UEFI with secure boot off, and lecacy BIOS). The USB stick boots fine with my other (non-UEFI) machines.

The SL netinstall image boots and Anaconda starts but only with legacy BIOS. If I complete the installation, will Windows still boot since it seems to need UEFI?

If I "test" install SL and grub onto another USB stick does the installer leave the laptop's hard disk intact?

Hi,i think that if you change the boot type, you will need reinstall windows - but i'm not sure, i don't have that much experience with windows.Be at your place, i'd do it anyway - i mean install linux on completely new HDD partition layout and then instal windows to have everything in pristine condition :].